It would seem that I should find a 4x5 enlarger. I am watching several items on ebay that would give me that capability using the Graflok/Graflarger system. I've used cold light enargers before, so I am somewhat familiar with them. I wonder though how durable these things are... I gather they are fifty or more years old... is the cold light going to give me grief?

Also, many years ago I used a camera lens for an enlarger lens with 35mm. It worked, but quality was less than spectacular. I read something years ago about using the same lens to enlarge that one used to take the picture and that the lens aberations would then tend to cancel each other out. I found this to be a bit dubious, though I understand the theory.

On 2001-12-05 09:08, daleraby wrote:
It would seem that I should find a 4x5 enlarger. I am watching several items on ebay that would give me that capability using the Graflok/Graflarger system. I've used cold light enargers before, so I am somewhat familiar with them. I wonder though how durable these things are... I gather they are fifty or more years old... is the cold light going to give me grief?

Also, many years ago I used a camera lens for an enlarger lens with 35mm. It worked, but quality was less than spectacular. I read something years ago about using the same lens to enlarge that one used to take the picture and that the lens aberations would then tend to cancel each other out. I found this to be a bit dubious, though I understand the theory.

Can't address y'r question about Graflargers' life expectancy, but as far as aberrations coming and going cancelling, it just doesn't work.

Don't have to use a standard camera lens for enlarging, though it is indeed convenient. It is possible to mount an enlarging lens, designed to perform well relatively close up, on a shutter or in a shutter, and there you are. Better of both worlds.

Sad thing is there's a complete 2x3 Graflarger up on eBay right now, and I'm too broke to bid on it. Sigh.

Just recieved my Graflarger... with the fluorescent tube smashed. The thing was shipped inside a wooden crate carefully line with styrofoam sheets fitted to enclose the merchandise completely... Oh well... now on to the search for a new tube or a else engineer something myself. Next time, I pay for the insurance!